OAK PARK, IL (January 15, 2014) – West Suburban Medical Center is proud to announce its achievement as Illinois' first nationally recognized Epicenter for Robotic General Surgery, one of only twelve General Surgery Epicenters in the nation. The Epicenter designation indicates the Medical Center is a premiere destination for surgeons throughout the United States to train in robotic-assisted surgery. Doctors from across the country will come to West Suburban Medical Center to observe cases and learn from its surgical team.

Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the makers of the da Vinci® Si Surgical System, granted West Suburban Medical Center the Epicenter designation upon completion of its rigorous program requirements. Epicenter sites are selected because of demonstrated excellence in patient outcomes, teaching, and experience. Epicenter surgeons act as mentors for newly trained da Vinci® robotic surgeons after their site visit and observation to promote ongoing learning.

As an Epicenter, West Suburban is continuing its long tradition as an environment of medical learning and advanced patient care within a convenient community setting. "The Epicenter is an extension of our commitment to teaching and medical education," said Joan Ormsby, Interim CEO of West Suburban Medical Center. "This honor not only recognizes the exceptional skill of our surgical team but also the high quality of care we offer our patients," she continued.

Robotic Surgery at West Suburban Medical Center is directed by Dr. Frederick Tiesenga, MD, FACS, Medical Director, and Dr. Alan Sadah, MD, Associate Medical Director. Dr. Tiesenga will offer his expertise to the physicians and surgeons visiting the Epicenter. "I am very excited to have attained Epicenter status for Robotic General Surgery," said Dr. Tiesenga. "I believe this represents a great opportunity for our patients to have access to clearly world class robotic surgery in a community setting at West Suburban Medical Center."

In addition to robotic-assisted general surgery, West Suburban Medical Center's surgeons also specialize in robotic-assisted urology and gynecology. Robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgeries have been associated with significantly decreased bleeding, pain, scarring, and recovery time. For more information, call 866-938-7256 or visit wssurgery.com.